Style Inspiration: Taylor Swift

As anyone who loves fashion knows, sources of style inspiration are endless.  One of my new favorites is Miss Taylor Swift.  She's surprised me by making a name for herself as a fashion icon as well as a talented singer.  I love how urban her style is; in my mind, she's redefining the limits of country-star fashion.  I found a slideshow that has some of her best street-style moments; some of my personal favorites are below. 

A chunky-knit beanie has become one of her signature pieces.  You know when you see someone with such fabulous style that they make you want an item you've never thought to buy before?  Well, now I want a beanie.

I love the nautical vibe of this look.  Plus, I always favor swingy miniskirts.

The sunny beanie, the chic coat, the high-heeled Oxfords - this look is all-around perfect.

This outfit is a great lesson in how to wear an oversized knit without looking schlumpy.

Another darling ruffled, swishy skirt.  This outfit has an updated-schoolgirl look to it that I love.  It's just posh and perfect.

Bombshell.  Enough said.

T-Swift can pull off monochromatic, which is tough in my opinion but looks awesome if you get it right.  It would work even without the cute splash of red - need I point out that there's that beanie again?

Source for all photos:
http://wonderwall.msn.com/#!wallState=0__%2Fmusic%2Fstreet-style-taylor-swift-12585.gallery%3FphotoId%3D52710

Hair: Re-done

I liked my bright red hair when it was first done, once the novelty wore off, it was too much.  So I had my stylist add a chocolate brown to it to tone it down. 

I've been MIA because of my summer classes, and I'm hoping to start doing more with photography soon, but here you are.

New Ariel Hair

I finally decided to take the plunge and do something totally crazy with my hair color.  This bright of red is taking getting used to, but I love how much it stands out and the vibrant tone is fun for summer.  It reminds me of Ariel from The Little Mermaid.  No hiding with this hair!

New Nail Polish Obsession

Over the past few months, I've finally gotten into the nail polish trend of painting the moons one color and the rest of the nail a contrasting color.  The picture makes the main color look black, but I've done navy and white.  I love how mod and fresh it looks!  Other color combinations I've tried are aqua and gold, pink and gold, and gray and white.  I can't get enough of playing with color pairings!

Face-off: Drugstore or Dior?

As long as I've been wearing makeup, I've believed in putting money into the cosmetics I put on my face.  For several years, I had an expensive Diorshow mascara addiction - it was the best mascara out there in my mind, and no one was going to tell me different.  But then recently, I went home for the weekend and forgot my mascara.  Without a Sephora close enough to justify making a special trip, I picked up some Rimmel mascara from a Target nearby.  It worked well, but the consistency was a little thin, so I went back to my usual Diorshow when I could.

But then again recently, I attended my grandmother's memorial service.  After the ceremony to scatter her ashes, I quickly realized I was going to need waterproof mascara, so again I stopped at a local drugstore.  This time, I picked up some "One by One" mascara from the Volum' Express line by Maybelline.  And I think the brand has made a mascara convert out of me!  It worked just as well as the Diorshow I've been using for years, for about $20 less.  It both volumizes and lengthens beautifully.  Talk about a steal! 

So...what do you guys think?  Is it necessary to spend a lot of money on mascara, or have you found drugstore brands that work just as well?  As a girl who never leaves the house without putting on mascara, I'd love to hear other opinions.

Friday's Outfit

I was feeling kinda spunky today so I wore an outfit that I thought reflected that.  Here are a few pictures.  They're not the best resolution and I had to take two since I used my computer to take them, but there you have it.  Enjoy!

Sweater - Urban Outfitters.  Pearl necklaces - belonged to my grandmother.

Skirt - I made it myself.  Knee-highs - Target.  Saddle shoes - Urban Outfitters.

 

 

 

Inspiration From Nature...

I live in Boulder, and all the trees are in full bloom for spring.  This morning while I was walking to class I just had to stop and marvel at the beautiful shades of pink.  I was thinking these colors would make a perfect combination for a dress or top.  Think a silk or chiffon confection with sumptuous ruffles around the neckline, or just a simple satin ombré shift - c'est très chic!

That the beauty of these blossoms is fragile and fleeting makes them even more special.